2016-05-06: Farmer Safety & Farmer Health & Lifestyle Assessments from Agfest – Southern Cross News

National Centre for Farmer Health featured in an article on farm safety in Southern Cross News on 6th of May edition.

To view footage: Southern Cross News and view 6th of May edition then scroll to the 5.30 mark.

2016-05-05: Agri expo ready to roll for another year at Quercus Park near Carrick – The Mercury

A LANDMARK Tasmanian event bridging the urban-rural divide is ready to fling open its gates at Quercus Rural Youth Park near Carrick.

Agfest pumps more than $26 million into the state’s economy and is a chance for urban dwellers to get a glimpse of the state’s agricultural production, worth $1.44 billion and sourced from 3340 farms.

It’s been a tough year for many Tasmanian farmers, but the next three days will provide a chance to shed the burden of the big dry.

Working closely with Agfest representatives, the University of Tasmania has devised a bigger program this year for all ages including live “touch tanks” of marine creatures.

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) will bring a hi-tech experience to the agri sector. The university tent can be found on site 404 along Fourth Avenue.

Agfest chairwoman Kate Coad said everything was coming along well and the recent rains were not causing concern.

“It might bit soft underfoot, but we have logistic plans ready for weather events,” Ms Coad said.

“A lot of setting up work is done and the site is looking good. We are excited about opening the gate to patrons.”

Agfest operations manager Ricky Edson said the drains were working well.

“It’s surprising really because a lot of the water has just soaked in because it was so dry,” he said.

This year a record 762 exhibitors have booked spots at Quercus Park, with more than 70,000 people expected to flood through the gates.

First held in 1983, Agfest is run solely by volunteers from Rural Youth Tasmania and every year the program is tweaked.

This year’s changes include the return of Equine Expo after a one-year hiatus.

Agfest is traditionally a one-stop shop to help farmers get the job done — from stocking and financial advice, to mental and physical health tips.

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association is encouraging everyone in the sector to take some time out.

TFGA chief executive Peter Skillern urges all farmers to visit the crew from the National Centre for Farmer Health, housed with their partner Rural Bank at site 113.

[… more]

To read the full article: 2016-05-05: ‘Agri expo ready to roll for another year at Quercus Park near Carrick’ – The Mercury

2016-05-09: ‘Farming’s not always easy’ – The Primary Producer

Maria Parente and her husband, Shaun Beasley, have been farming for over 35 years in the Bairnsdale area. Maria is also a psychologist and knows better than most that farming is not always an easy vocation.

During her 16 years practising in Bairnsdale and its surrounds, Maria has seen it all.

“I’ve seen firsthand, particularly through drought, how challenging it can be on the land.

“The vagaries of the weather or a change in commodity prices can really affect farmers.

A few years ago Maria knew a local farmer who subsequently suicided after a relationship breakdown and financial difficulties.

Sadly, each day in Australia seven people take their lives and many are farmers.

“Men, especially farmers, don’t communicate as well a women, but they need to know there is support out there,” Maria said.

Maria is part of the national steering group that has formed Ripple Effect – a partnership between leading rural advocacy, academic and health organisations to prevent farmer suicides.

With funding from beyond blue, The Ripple Effect steering group will soon launch an online platform where farmers can feel comfortable to share their experience of suicide – whether this is about thoughts of suicide, caring for someone who has attempted suicide or lost someone through suicide.

2016-03 ‘Talking Turkey – Rural Suicide Prevention’ – BLUES Country Magazine

Farmer Health e-News – May 2016

2016-04-26: ‘Health program in northern Victoria’ – The Australian Dairyfarmer

Sustainable Farm Families™

Northern Victorian farming men and women are being provided a unique opportunity to participate in the award-winning Sustainable Farm FamiliesTM (SFF) program, which focuses on the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers and their families.

The SFF program was developed specifically for farm men and women— by farm men and women—and involves interactive workshops that address their specific health, wellbeing and safety.

The Stanhope, Victoria, workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22.

Media Release – Calling for Expressions of interest for SFF™ Program

Make a difference to farmers’ lives

With State government funding, the highly successful and award winning Sustainable Farm Families™ (SFF™) programs are now available to farming communities across Victoria.

This program, the initiative of the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) being delivered in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources and supporting health agencies, is specific to farm families addressing health, wellbeing and safety issues through a series of workshops.

NCFH is now calling for expressions of interest from health agencies, agricultural industry bodies and community groups to become involved in bringing the SFF™ program to their community in 2016-2017. Groups we have worked with include Landcare, CFA and United Dairy Farmers Victoria.
You will be working with an energetic and enthusiastic team based at the National Centre for Farmer Health eager to provide support to your organisation and farming community participating in the SFF™ program.
You can help make a difference to your farming community to stay healthy by submitting your interest now at www.farmerhealth.org.au/sustainable-farm-families/sff-programs or contact Tracey Hatherell, Program Coordinator on 5551 8588.

Rural Bank – NCFH Health and Lifestyle Assessments

Farmer Health e-News – April 2016

Farmer Health e-News – March 2016

Sustainable Farm Families™ program recognised as an example of best practice

Victorian Workplace Mental Wellbeing Collaboration recognises SFF™ programs as best practice.

According to the VWMWC Resource Centre, the National Centre For Farmer Health’s Sustainable Farm Families™ program is recognised as an example of best practice for improving the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers. It focuses on connecting farmers and their families with the broader community, industry experts and health services to equip farmers with the knowledge and motivation to look after themselves and their business. Over a three-year period, workshops are delivered to farmers who are encouraged to develop an action plan. Evaluation in the form of health monitoring, surveys and personal follow up has illustrated the ongoing effectiveness of the program.

2016-03-31: The Rural Woman website shares The Ripple Effect story

I learned about the Ripple Effect somehow…you know those random connections that lead you down rabbit warrens!

It’s a great initiative from a consortium of compassionate and caring organisations focused on making the world a better place; mostly they want to raise the awareness…and the conversation around suicide.

The Ripple Effect is an invitation to tell your story of how you or others you know have been impacted by suicide.

“By sharing your message you can start a ripple and help others learn and act to make positive changes for yourself and others.”

It’s completely anonymous and will help the research, understanding and conversation about suicide.